Principal's Award scroll pendant or lapel pin (unverified)

This small metal pendant or pin is shaped like an unfurled scroll, rendered in a shiny gold-tone finish. It is housed inside a rectangular, transparent plastic storage box lined with dark grey foam padding. The face of the scroll features raised lettering and a graphic element. The text visible on the surface reads "PRINCIPAL'S AWARD" in capitalized block lettering. Below the text, there is a raised depiction of a classical oil lamp, often symbolizing knowledge or learning. A small loop is attached to the top of the scroll, suggesting it was designed to be worn as a pendant on a chain or suspended from a ribbon or bar pin. The piece displays minor surface texture and minor wear, consistent with mass-produced scholastic award jewelry from the mid-to-late 20th century. There are no visible maker's marks or metal fineness stamps apparent in the image, and the exact material composition and production year remain unverified. The identification rests strictly upon the legible text cast into the object.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this item appears to be a small metal pendant or lapel pin shaped like an unfurled scroll with a shiny gold-tone finish, featuring raised lettering that reads 'PRINCIPAL'S AWARD' and a classical oil lamp graphic. It is housed in a rectangular transparent plastic storage box with dark grey foam padding. From a photo alone, I cannot verify the exact metal composition, manufacturing date, or whether the piece contains any precious metal content, as there are no visible maker's marks or fineness stamps apparent. Physical inspection, hallmark verification, and testing would be needed to confirm these details. Assuming the piece is a vintage scholastic award piece from the mid-to-late 20th century as suggested by its style, typical market demand for mass-produced school awards and commemorative tokens of this type is generally modest and driven by nostalgic appeal rather than precious metal value. The item displays minor surface texture and minor wear consistent with age. My appraisal value estimate of $15 to $30 reflects the assumed identification as a vintage scholastic award in its current condition. If physical examination reveals the piece to be a modern replica, reproduction, or a commercial copy rather than a period scholastic award, the value would likely drop to the $5 to $10 range. Conversely, if precious metal testing were to indicate solid gold construction rather than a gold-tone finish, the value would be adjusted upward based on melt value, though such findings would require in-person inspection and testing.